Sunday 3 January 2016

TIPS FOR 2016


Let’s face it, you’re going to be reading a hell of a lot of ‘Tips for 2016’ features, heck, I’ll even be part-responsible for some of them. Many will include the same names over and over again, whether that’s because of sheep following sheep or the sign of incredibly talented acts, is down to you to decide. That’s why, I want you to read this post as more of a, “They may not make it big but you should 100% give them a listen anyway” guide. So, here you go, a long list of acts who all deserve your attention in 2016. 

Crooks
Once a hidden gem of the hardcore world, Crooks have developed and adjusted their sound substantially within the past twelve months, dropping one of the most standout albums of the year with ‘Are We All the Same Distance Apart’. Gutsy screams and erratic riffs are less present compared with the early work and instead you hear spine chilling vocals, raw and emotional songwriting with an intensity that’ll take your breath away. I cannot sing their praises enough and with a support slot alongside Cohered and Cambria and Glassjaw in the near future, things are only going to get bigger and better for Crooks. 



Boston Manor

These chaps crept their way into my life almost exactly a year ago after interviewing them on the January ’15 Moose Blood tour. Since then I’ve watched them play shows with As It Is, This Wild Life and Creeper, sweat their guts out at the Summer Festivals and establish themselves as one of the most exciting acts in pop-punk with a major signing to Pure Noise Records. 2016 will only see Boston Manor grow even more, and I for one am cheering them on because hell, they deserve it. 



Wallflower

British emo at its finest. I managed to catch Wallflower recently and I was genuinely surprised at how bloody brilliant they are as a live band. Sure, they're not doing anything overly new or groundbreaking but their grunge influences, moody persona and knack for crafting a melancholic masterpiece is what grabs your attention.


A Will Away

These Connecticut emo-punks are a recent addition to my record collection, and their EP ‘Bliss’ is currently on a constant rotation. There’s no denying that there has been a surge of emo-influenced bands since Moose Blood hit the scene, but these guys tug on heartstrings with pop sensibilities and a Jimmy Eat World-esque aura. Tracks such as ‘Ten or Eleven’ and ‘Be Easy’ have already got me lusting after hazy summer days and I cannot wait to hear what is to come from these guys in 2016. 



Zoax

All you need to do is watch Zoax live to understand why they are utterly fantastic, and with their debut album out sometime within the next 12 months, shit’s about to drop. 



KYKO

I begun working with KYKO in the very early stages of his career, when his debut single ‘Animals’ was taking the Soundcloud world by storm. His debut EP of the same title was released in the spring and gained him a lot of recognition, and having signed with independent UK label LAB records in the latter part of the year, 2016 will see the young songwriter flourish. If you adore the sounds of Saint Raymond and The 1975, KYKO will be right up your street. 



Jack Garratt

If there’s one man who EVERYONE will be talking about next year, it’s Jack Garratt. He’s already nabbed the gong for the BRITS Critics Choice Award, making the BBC Sound of 2015 long list (which he’ll probably win) and has sold out all of his headline London shows thus far as well as recently joining Mumford and Sons at the O2 recently. With a voice to melt butter and a beard to make men envious, Garratt’s technological skills will see him go far in 2016. 



The Beach

Remember when Ben Howard was nothing but a chill surfer from the shores of Devon, who created outstandingly beautiful music with just his voice and an acoustic guitar? Say hello to The Beach, a young solo artist who’ll get your emotions all up in a tangle. Since Mr Howard wondered down a path filled with dark and electric melodies, the UK has been somewhat lacking in unique and soulful male acoustic artists (and no, Ed Sheeran doesn’t count), and The Beach most definitely fits the bill. Stick on ‘Home’ and wind down with a candle or two. 



The Gospel Youth

I’m totally allowed to be biased here, because, well, it’s my blog. I’ve been working alongside The Gospel Youth since the first half of 2015 and although sometimes they make me mad, I could not have more faith in this small group of guys. All of them are incredibly talented musicians, Sam’s voice is soulful and powerful while Julian makes magic happen with his songwriting, producing and overall work on each and every song. 2015 was only the beginning for The Gospel Youth and I could not be more proud and excited to see what is ahead. 



Fatherson

It’s a fact that Scotland produces the best music, with Twin Atlantic, Prides and The Proclaimers all calling it their home. However, a personal favourite of mine is Fatherson, a trio from the delights of Glasgow. Their debut album ‘I Am An Island’ still frequents my record player over a year since its release and vocalist Ross Leighton’s vocals are one of few that can send shivers up my spine. Having signed to Easy Life Records recently and with new material and a UK tour on the way, 2016 looks to be a magnificent year for Fatherson.  



Broadside

By far, one of the most underrated pop-punk bands of 2015, more people need to pay attention to Broadside. Their debut album ‘Old Bones’ has left me in a whirlwind of pop-punk meets hardcore riffs for months and I have no intention of calming down whenever I put the record on. If A Day To Remember and State Champs were to have some form of musical baby, then Broadside would be the end result and if that’s not enough to convince you to listen then I don’t know what is. 



Rory Indiana

Big, beefy and from Brighton (F yeah alliteration!). Rory Indiana have got that enticing Arcane Roots vibe, destroying your ear drums with mind blowing riffs, while retaining a sort of indie swagger and English charm. Expect new material from these young lads very soon and trust me when I say it’ll blow your bloody socks off. 



Faux

Being biased again but whatevs. If you like your indie-math-pop then Faux will tickle your pickle. Recent single ‘Swimmingly’ has racked up a whopping 10,000+ views on YouTube and that’s just the beginning of what’s to come. The new EP will be a treat for fans of Foals, The Xcerts and the like and will undoubtedly put them on everyone’s radar. 



Youth Club

There’s no denying that pop music has had a large influence on my music choices the past year, and Youth Club’s jingling melodies make it impossible to be sad when listening to them. Supported by LAB Records and with recognised nods from BBC introducing and the indie blogs, these guys deserve a place on your summer soundtrack. I dare you to listen to their songs and not dance, GO ON, I DARE YA.  



Walking On Cars

Another one for you folk/indie lovers. Irish bred Walking On Cars grabbed my attention with debut single 'Hand In Hand' last year, and each release since was warmed my soul that little bit more. I finally managed to catch them live at Reading Festival in the summer and they did not disappoint. With their debut album due for release at the end of January, I for one can't wait to let the grainy, yet soothing vocals of Patrick Sheehy whirl around my mind while the twinkling piano melodies fill me with joy. 


Authors

We’ve all been waiting for a band to come along with a vocalist that can match the angelic tones of Jonny Craig, just y’know, without the massive ego and idiocy. Welcome Authors, from Birmingham, this alternative outfit have got a huge amount of power in their songs and although small have the talent to really make something of themselves. New single ‘Terminal’ is just a small taster of what is to come from the band and I eagerly await the next instalment. 




Think I missed someone off this list? Let me know! 

*Image from: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/428897564488586426/

2 comments:

  1. I love some of these artists! I think your blog is really cool!
    - Sophie xx

    www.oneunique.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  2. I dare ya.... Haha �� great read ;)

    ReplyDelete